Are you always worried about whether or not you should wash sheets before using them?
Whether you’re a germaphobe or not, the question “should you wash sheets before using them?” has probably crossed your mind at some point. After all, these are the surfaces where we sleep and rest our heads every night – they can get pretty dirty!
Sweat, skin cells, and dirt accumulate on sheets over time. You never know where those sheets have been and what kind of germs they may have picked up. Giving them a good wash before using them can help protect against any unwanted visitors in your bed.
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
Is washing sheets often essential? Or is it just another one of those cleaning myths that so many people seem to believe?
Much like our clothes, bed sheets need regular washing to stay clean and fresh. But how often should you be doing this, and what’s the best way to go about it?
Sheets can harbor all sorts of bacteria and other germs, so keeping them clean is essential. Depending on how often you sleep in your bed and how dirty it gets, you may need to wash your sheets anywhere from once a week to once a month.
Just remember – a clean and well-maintained bed can lead to better sleep and a healthier overall lifestyle. So make sure to keep up with regular sheet washing, whether it be before every use or every couple of weeks. Don’t forget to regularly clean your mattress and pillows as well!
Why wash sheets?
➡️ Benefits of washing sheets.
Fungi, bacteria, pollen, and animal dander are found on sheets and bedding. Not washing them regularly exposes you to them. Sheets also contain bodily secretions, sweat, and skin cells.
Steps to Properly Wash Your Sheets
Washing your sheets is not as simple as tossing them in the washing machine with some detergent. In fact, there is a specific process that will help to ensure that your sheets are clean and fresh.
- Strip your bed
The first step to properly washing your sheets is to strip your bed. This means removing all the sheets, pillowcases, and blankets from your bed. If you have a duvet cover, you will also need to remove that. Once everything is off the bed, give it a good shake to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated.
Should you strip your sheets?
💡 Sheets and towels are frequently used and can easily accumulate body oils and detergents, making laundry stripping ideal. Laundry stripping may be necessary if your towels are less absorbent and your sheets are dirty.
- Pre-treat any stains
Once your bed is stripped, take a look at your sheets for any stains that may need to be treated before washing. If you see any, treat them with a pre-stain remover or laundry detergent before putting them in the wash.
As you are pre-treating any stains, check the care label on your sheets to see what water temperature they should be washed in. This is important in order to ensure they do not shrink or get damaged in the wash.
- Wash in hot water
Sheets should be washed in hot water to kill any bacteria or dust mites that may be present. Hot water will also help to remove any pre-treated stains. If your sheets are filthy, you may want to wash them in the highest setting possible.
The more sheets you wash at one time, the cleaner they will come out. Aim for a full load in your washing machine to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Dry on low heat
After washing, it is essential to dry your sheets on low heat in order to prevent shrinkage and damage. High heat can cause sheets to shrink and lose their shape, so it is best to avoid it if possible. If you have a delicate cycle on your dryer, that would be ideal for drying sheets.
Once you have properly washed and dried your sheets, they should be ready to use again! Don’t forget to change them out regularly, and always pre-treat any stains before washing them. Your bed will thank you for it!
- Put them back on the bed
Once your sheets are clean and dry, it is time to put them back on the bed! Make sure to put the fitted sheet on first, followed by the flat sheet. Then add any pillowcases and blankets. Now, you can enjoy sleeping on clean sheets!
So, should you wash your sheets before using them? The answer is yes!
💡 Washing your sheets before putting them on your bed is an important step that helps to keep you and your family healthy. This is because washing your sheets can help to remove any harmful bacteria, dust mites, or other contaminants that may be present on the fabric.
Taking the extra step to clean and freshen up your bedding can prevent harmful bacteria from coming into contact with your skin and causing potential health issues. Not only that, it can also improve their longevity and keep them feeling soft and comfortable for a more extended period of time!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the answer to the question of whether or not you should wash sheets before using them really depends on a number of different factors. Some people may be more prone to germ buildup than others, depending on their health and lifestyle habits.
Of course, washing the sheets before using them helps ensure that your bed and sleep surface are as clean and hygienic as possible. So, if you have the opportunity to wash your sheets before using them, it is definitely recommended.
By any chance that you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have access to a washing machine or detergent, just make sure to strip and thoroughly clean your bed as best as you can before putting on fresh sheets.
Now that you know the importance of washing your sheets before using them make sure to incorporate this into your regular cleaning routine. Your health and well-being will thank you for it!
Remember – clean sheets = happy sleepers. Happy sleeping!
Express Home Maids is a professional cleaning service that can help with all of your sheet-washing needs.
Contact us for more information on how we can help make your sheets (and your entire home) sparkling clean!
So, should you wash your sheets before using them? The answer is yes!